Mt. Lavinia weapons case: Main suspect surrenders

The alleged mastermind behind the smuggling of weapons and ammunition into the premises of the Mount Lavinia Magistrate's Court has been arrested. 

Police have identified the suspect as D.S. Roshan Indika De Silva alias 'Rosa.' He had surrendered to the Mt. Lavinia Police last night. 

Meanwhile, 20 suspects arrested in connection with the incident were remanded till March 13 after being produced before the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate yesterday. Police said nine of them were taken into custody inside the premises while 11 others who had entered the premises while the incident was taking place were also arrested.

Police added that 16 of the arrested suspects had been taken to the court premises in an organized manner by the main suspect, who is a resident of Wetakeiyya Watta in Ratmalana.

A Chinese-made pistol and revolver along with 10 rounds of live ammunition were found hidden in a parcel within the court premises on Wednesday. Police said both weapons had been fully loaded and ready for use when they were uncovered. 

Investigators are now trying to ascertain if the weapons were smuggled into the complex with the aim of murdering a leading underworld figure who was due to be present in court that day. 

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